Junior Athletes

Recommended Distances for Children

The table below contains maximum distances suggested by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) that junior athletes should run in any given session. Over an entire week, twice these distances should not be exceeded. It also provides guidelines for different age groups on the maximum number of sessions children should undertake in a week; up to 14 years – three sessions, 15 to 18 years – five sessions. These guidelines however, may need to be adjusted to each child’s circumstance as they are very general. Other physical activities children participate in have to be taken into account and will affect the amount of training they undertake.

Age (Yrs)

Maximum Distance

Under 9

3km

9 – 11

5km

12 – 14

10km

15 – 16

Half-marathon (21.1km)

17

30km

18

Marathon (42.2km)

Photos

View photos from previous Feature Events.

The Mackay Road Runners Club is an incorporated club with over one hundred members.